Congratulations to our 2026 Q1 DAISY Award Winner for Willamette Valley Medical Center, Grace Umfleet, from the Med/Surg Team!

For those that are not familiar with the DAISY Award, we partner with the DAISY Foundation to honor the incredible work that our Nurses at WVMC are displaying. The family of Patrick Barnes started the DAISY Foundation back in 1999, to honor their son who passed away at the young age of 33 due to complications of an autoimmune disorder. D.A.I.S.Y standing for Diseases Affecting the Immune SYstem was formed and this award has grown to an internation level, recognizing nurses all over the globe. Here at WVMC, DAISY partners with our BEE award to honor the amazing work that are staff do each day and recognize the compassionate care they deliver to their patients.

Check out the nomination that a family member wrote about their interactions with Grace:

“My husband, Tom, was in Willamette Valley Medical Center hospital from Jan 5th – 7th of 2026. He was very sick with CIDP, stiff person syndrome and autoimmune encephalitis. He couldn’t do anything by himself and could hardly speak. He was in a lot of pain. Grace was one of his nurses who stood out in an exceptional way to help Tom in his desperate need. She was truly and honestly compassionate and went out of her way, above and beyond her duties! One time she took off her glove to hold his hand when he was in terrible pain. The pain medication that the doctor ordered wasn’t enough during one of the nights, so she called the doctor and got the Tom’s order increased. Grace was very caring and personable to me as well. I was with Tom most of every day, but stayed in a nearby motel at night. All of the nursing staff and assistants were wonderful. It’s a wonderful hospital if you do need some TLC.”

We are so proud of you Grace, the impact you make on each of your patients is beyond measurable. Keep up the good work!